Home Language Exams

Important Information:  Please see Examination Deadline Dates for Exam board entry deadlines and HGS deadlines for entry and payments. For Exam Board entry fees, please refer to the awarding bodies websites.

Terms & Conditions for Entry

 Heckmondwike Grammar School (HGS) offers examination services as a centre for home language exams for current HGS students. Below are the terms and conditions for entry to the Summer 2025 exam series:

Examination Components and Responsibilities

 HGS will facilitate the administration of the written, listening, and reading components of the home language exams. However, the oral examination must be conducted by an “external suitable person,” independently sourced and compensated by the candidate’s representative. HGS does not provide examiners for the oral component.

Requirements for the “External Suitable Person”:

 The appointed individual responsible for the oral exam must provide the following information:

• Full Name
• Contact Telephone Number
• Position (e.g., Tutor)
• Conflict of Interest Declaration

The external examiner for the oral component should ideally be a qualified teacher or tutor in the language being tested. To maintain impartiality, the examiner must not be a family member of the candidate, nor should any conflict of interest exist. If the examiner is acquainted with the candidate, this must be disclosed to HGS. The examiner is also required to have comprehensive knowledge of the exam specifications, the format and requirements of the speaking assessment, and the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) Instructions for Conducting Examinations.

Please note that HGS does not assist in sourcing or preparing the “external suitable person.” HGS will only provide administrative support, invigilation, and a designated location at HGS for the oral exam, scheduled at a time after school hours.

 Fees and Additional Charges

 In addition to the awarding body’s examination entry fees, HGS applies a non-refundable administration fee of £50.00 for providing examination services. An additional fee of £50.00 covers venue and invigilation costs for the oral examination component.

Candidates are responsible for ensuring that all entry information is submitted to the Exams Office by the relevant deadline. Any additional costs, including further invigilation fees, will be assessed and invoiced after the exam timetable is finalised. All outstanding fees must be paid at least one week prior to the examination date.

Please Note: The centre reserves the right to withdraw an exam entry if payment is incomplete by the specified deadlines.

Amendments, Cancellations, and Refunds

 HGS cannot be held responsible for amendment fees that may arise from late changes to entry information. In the event of exam cancellation, HGS will not provide a centre- or teacher-assessed grade. Candidates will be eligible only for refunds issued by the awarding body.

Should a candidate decide to withdraw from an examination, refunds will be limited to those provided by the awarding body, typically available only for a limited period following the entry deadline.

Failure to adhere to HGS exam policies may result in withdrawal of access to exam facilities and subsequent exclusion from the exam series without eligibility for a refund.

 Application Process

 For HGS candidates interested in sitting Home Language Exams for the Summer 2025 Series, please complete the Application Form linked here.